Basilicata Coast to Coast
A walking tour in Basilicata of 8 days and 7 nights in search of some of the most enchanting places of this fantastic region
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BASILICATA

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

AVERAGE LEVEL

95 KM

MAX 16 PAX

The trip will start with the tour of Matera and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, rich in caves and ravines that are marked by the typically Mediterranean history and nature: you will find prehistoric caves, neolithic villages, frescoed churches and houses dug into the rock.

It goes on with the Lucan Dolomites, in the centre of the region, with its gems Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. Once you have crossed the Calanchi between Craco Vecchia and Montalbano Jonico, the next stage will be the Pollino National Park, a picturesque massif surrounded by coloured valleys and streams flowing down and rocky mountains that preserve jealously the best examples of the rare Loricato pine.

The last stage will bring you to the Tyrrhenian coast: in Maratea you will enjoy a unique view. The unpolluted nature, the strong light and panoramas will leave you enchanting memories of this journey on foot in Basilicata.

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Day 1

The Sassi of Matera

Independent arrival in Matera. Accommodation in hotel or B&B. At 16h urban trekking in the Sassi districts* (UNESCO heritage site) and the old town: the baroque city, the Romanesque churches and the rupestrian civilization (duration: 3 hours). Dinner in a local restaurant in the Sassi. Overnight in Matera.

*if for personal circumstances it is not possible to arrive to Matera in time for the tour, on request this can be postponed to the next day and done together with the hike in the cave churches park

Gradient: 200m

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 4km

Day 2

The Murgia and the Rock Churches

A walk on the Murgia, in search of the archaeological and naturalistic treasures of the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. You will cross the Gravina of Matera with its beautiful views and unique paths. Packed lunch in the caves. Free afternoon in town.

Gradient: 200m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Length: 9km

Day 3

Lucan Dolomites: From Pietrapertosa to Castelmezzano

Transfer to Pietrapertosa (90 minutes), in the Gallipoli Cognato and Lucan Dolomites Park. From the Saracen fortress of Pietrapertosa, almost completely dug into the rock, that offers a super panoramic view of the Basento valley, you will visit the old town with its many steps and the valuable Mother Church. In Pietrapertosa we’ll buy our lunch for the picnic along our path. At the foot of the castle there is a path that goes down to the Caperrino stream, then you will cross an old bridge, dominated by the steep Dolomites of Pietrapertosa and, finally, you will climb to Castelmezzano. Tour of the old town and picnic on the castle. Transfer to Aliano (60 minutes) or Montalbano Jonico (75 minutes). Dinner on your own. Overnight stay.

Gradient: 900 m

Duration: 7 hours

Length: 15km

Day 4

Teatro dei Calanchi, a Pisticci

The Calanchi

A long excursion that crosses the distinguishing landscape of gullies in the Ionian area of Basilicata. From Aliano or Montalbano Jonico you will reach, crossing glorious gullies, the rocky spur of Timpa Petrolla. In the afternoon, there would be the possibility of a tour of Craco, the “ghost” town. Transfer to Viggianello for dinner and overnight stay.

Gradient: 300m

Duration: 4 hours

Length: 12 km

Day 5

Serra delle Ciavole and Serra di Crispo

It’s certainly the most beautiful excursion for the view extension and the uniqueness of the landscapes. On top of Sierras (a mountain with a long ridge) there are many specimens of Loricato pine, even millenary ones, and, in particular, several dead ones that keep on standing without bark or leaves for decades, creating a charming and magical atmosphere that earned the title of “the Garden of the Gods”. Return to Viggianello, dinner and overnight stay.

Gradient: 700m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Length: 15-18 km

Day 6

The Ancient Beechwood of Cozzo Ferriero

Besides the Loricato pine, the Pollino National Park has the merit of preserving a strip of an ancient beechwood, untouched by logging for ages. It’s a stark, wild forest not very touristy, despite the millenary presence of man that has a deep cultural connection with it. 

The old-growth beech forest of Cozzo Ferriero, in Rotonda (Pz), in the heart of the Pollino National Park, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It covers about 70 hectares and is spread over a sub-flat area between 1700 and 1750 metres above sea level, near the watershed that marks the border between Basilicata and Calabria
The stand consists of 496 trees, 284 of which have a diameter of 17.5 cm or more. The average plant measures 43.8 cm in diameter and 22.5 m in height, while the dominant height is 26.5 m.

Return to Viggianello, dinner and overnight stay.

Gradient: 569m

Duration: 6 hours

Length: 9 km

Day 7

The Maratea Coast

Transfer from Viggianello to Trecchina where today’s hike starts to end in Maratea with a view of the Gulf of Policastro. Wonderful karstic shapes, caves and spring flowerings make this landscape unique. From Mount San Biagio, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located, you will reach the old town of Maratea along a paved road. Tour of the town and stop to bathe in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Gradient: 550m

Duration: 5 hours

Length: 11 km

Day 8

Breakfast and end of services

This tour ends today after you breakfast. 

It’s possible to book a transfer with us to your airport, a train station or your next destination, click on the WhatsApp button for a quote.

If you’re looking forward to discovering more towns, beaches or natural parks, ask us to extend your stay with PRE and POST tours around the same area or by adding a walking or cycling tours on different itineraries offered by WalkBasilicata and BikeBasilicata.

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